These days, fiber optic cables are commonly used in industries that require efficient data transmission and light-guiding applications, such as medical, military, and networking. Even though both polarized and unpolarized light can travel through optical fibers, unpolarized light can undergo major losses when it travels over long distances, leading to a decrease in efficiency. To address this significant loss, fiber optic polarizers, such as 980nm In-line Polarizers, are widely used to ensure that only the strongest and cleanest output signals are produced for optics applications.

Introduction to Fiber Optic Polarizers

Fiber optic polarizers are small passive components that are made of tiny pieces of cable that are placed in line with the fiber to polarize the incoming light. This is the reason why they are called in-line polarizers. Polarization-controlled fibers can produce high-intensity and high-bandwidth outputs without compromising speed.

Now, we will explain the different types of fiber optic cables and their properties like birefringence and polarization.

Types of Fiber Optic Cables Used for Polarizers

There are two types of fiber optic cables: single-mode and multimode. The number of modes helps determine how light will propagate across the fiber. Single-mode fibers can support only one propagation mode, while multimode fibers can have three or more modes of propagation of light waves. Single-mode fibers have different frequencies of light waves, but they are distributed spatially in a similar way.

In contrast, multimode fibers have a larger core diameter, allowing for higher light gathering capacity and more modes of wave propagation. However, multimode fibers have restricted bandwidth and travel distance compared to single-mode fibers.

The Key Qualities of Fiber Optic Polarizers That Matters

Birefringence is the property of optical materials wherein the refractive index is influenced by the polarization direction of the incoming light signals. This property can be commonly seen in nonlinear crystals and various optical fibers.

Theoretically, you will find fiber cores that are perfectly circular ideal for in-line polarizers; it is not practical in the real world to have perfectly circular shaped cores as fibers usually suffer from mechanical stresses due to bending and handling, leading to changes in the core’s geometry.

This can influence the polarization mode along the length of both single and multimode fibers, causing a polarization mode to travel in a different space compared to others. Plus, this can impact fiber performance, causing lengthened pulses, resulting in more noise and lower quality output light.

Different materials absorb different polarizations of lights in different ways, making it necessary to control polarization in fibers in most optics applications. In-line polarizers can be used to avoid this problem and ensure the best quality output signal for your application.

Wrapping Up

Fiber optic polarizers, also called in-line polarizers, are essential in maintaining the high efficiency of optical networks. They help facilitate the strongest and cleanest output signals for optics applications. Understanding the different types of fiber optic cables and their properties like birefringence and polarization can help you determine the best type of fiber optic cable for your specific needs. Using in-line polarizers can ensure the best quality output signal for your application, making them a crucial component in the world of fiber optic technology.

Are you looking for 980nm In-line Polarizers? If yes, contact DK Photonics to buy 980nm In-line Polarizers with standard and/or custom specifications.